Identity

Is Ai Weiwei a figure of the past?

By embodying recognisable themes of political dissent, ideological trauma and cultural memory, early Chinese contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei acted as interfaces that helped the West understand China. But the milieu has changed, requiring new-gen artists to reexamine their identity and their art. Lianhe Zaobao visual journalist Fio Zhang gives her take on the issue.

Fio Zhang

29 May 2026

Why bombs don’t break Iran

The domestic issues and fragile regime in Iran would have led one to believe that an attack by the US would result in a quick defeat. Commentator Tao Ray offers a perspective on why Iran remains resilient: not because of its military strength or strategy, but the strong sense of “us versus them”.

Tao Ray

26 May 2026

[Big read] The returnees: Inside China’s AI talent reversal

From Silicon Valley to Beijing and Shenzhen, a growing number of AI researchers are returning to China, reshaping careers, companies and the global balance of tech talent. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Sha examines this high-stakes return and what drives it.

Liu Sha

26 May 2026

[Video] Living in the moment: Two Singaporean artists finding home in Jingdezhen

In Jingdezhen, China’s porcelain capital, Singaporean ceramists Ken Lu and Nelson Lim have each found their own mecca — a place for Ken to put down roots, and for Nelson to continually return to. Living in the Moment, produced by Lu Lingming and Yi Jina, is ThinkChina’s first documentary film. It explores how the city reshapes Ken and Nelson’s identities as Chinese Singaporeans, while tracing their lifelong pursuit of art and craft.

Lu Lingming, Yi Jina

22 May 2026

The politics of mainland spouses in Taiwan

China-born politician Li Chen-hsiu was recently expelled from Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan and the Taiwan People’s Party, highlighting the plight of mainland spouses in Taiwan. The existing legal framework provides ambiguity and thus some flexibility, but the status quo is changing under a government that increasingly defines Taiwan in opposition to China. Malaysian academic Ngeow Chow Bing explores the implications of this development.

Ngeow Chow Bing

08 May 2026

Lin Tianmiao: Making art through sickness, life and play

Chinese artist Lin Tianmiao’s ​artistic career began later in life, after she became a wife and mother. Her inspiration for artmaking comes from everyday life and objects, her experience as a daughter, wife and mother, and her ability to see the bright side amid major life and death encounters. For her, transforming the mundane into the sublime helps make “play” never end. Curator and writer Tan Hwee Koon takes us through Lin’s recent exhibition “Lin Tianmiao: There’s No Fun in It!” at the Power Station of Art (PSA) Shanghai.

Tan Hwee Koon

13 Mar 2026

[Photos] From Nanjing streets to family memories: A historical photo collector reflects on Chinese New Year

Through rare photos of Beiping and Nanjing, Taiwanese historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao recalls bustling temple fairs, lanterns and family traditions, reflecting on the enduring spirit of Chinese New Year.

Hsu Chung-mao

13 Feb 2026

Redefining cultural integration: Reflections of a new immigrant in Southeast Asia

Given Singapore’s history as a migrant society, those who come here will have to find ways to integrate as best they can into this multicultural environment. Researcher Cindy Qi thinks back on her own journey over the past 20 years.

Cindy Qi

31 Dec 2025

Can Kuomintang’s new chairwoman unite the party and reconcile the China question?

Beijing welcomes her victory, while Kuomintang insiders express unease. The rise of the KMT’s new chairwoman, Cheng Li-wun, reflects shifting identities, widening generational divides, and Beijing’s recalibrated approach to Taiwan’s opposition. With her clear pro-China stance, what impact will her leadership have on Taiwan’s politics and society? Japanese scholar Yoshiyuki Ogasawara offers his perspective.

Yoshiyuki Ogasawara

30 Oct 2025

What Chew Shou Zi and two art exhibitions tell us about being Singaporean

As Singapore turns 60, two exhibitions at the National Gallery of Singapore explore the layered, transnational identities that shape its art and people — just as the earlier Chew Shou Zi congressional hearing showed that complex, evolving notions of belonging still defy easy labels. Visual art adviser Keong Ruoh Ling gives her take on being Singaporean.

Keong Ruoh Ling

26 Sep 2025

DEI turns coercive: How sinologist Perry Link was punished

When renowned sinologist Perry Link questioned race-based hiring at UC Riverside, he faced censure, public shaming and erased data. His case reveals how America’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, once a tool for inclusion, can be wielded to punish dissent and suppress academic freedom, notes commentator Tao Ray.

Tao Ray

08 Sep 2025

[Video] Ethnic Chinese new villages: Malaysia’s hidden heritage or controversial legacy?

Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese new villages, born from colonial control against the communists, face decline amid ageing and migration. Yet revitalisation efforts through tourism and community initiatives offer hope, sparking debate over their cultural value and potential UNESCO heritage status. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Seoow Juin Yee speaks to residents and community leaders to find out more.

Seoow Juin Yee

29 Aug 2025